On Sunday afternoon, it was business as usual for Manchester City and Chelsea as the pair both picked up convincing wins in gameweek 11 of the Premier League. Here is what happened in the two games.
City knock Saints for six
The Citizens took just six minutes to take the lead, as Saints centre-back Wesley Hoedt put the ball past his own goalkeeper from a Leroy Sane cross. City doubled their lead on 12 minutes, as Sergio Aguero tapped in his 150th City goal from close-range after good work from Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva.
The home side had a third on 18 minutes, as David Silva half-volleyed home a powerful effort after Jack Stephens had cleared a floated cross from Sterling.
The visitors at least ended their five-game goal drought on the half-hour mark. City goalkeeper Ederson upended striker Danny Ings and the former Liverpool striker scored with the spot-kick. Sterling added City’s fourth in first-half stoppage time with a low shot after Aguero had got the better of Saints full-back, Cedric.
Sterling doubled his goal tally on 67 minutes, as the winger received the ball from Aguero before firing a low effort across Alex McCarthy. Sane scored the sixth in stoppage-time, receiving the ball from Sterling on the edge of the area before cutting in and firing an effort past McCarthy to complete the visitor’s misery.
The win means that City are currently top of the table, two points clear of Chelsea in second and Liverpool in third. Pep Guardiola’s side also remain favourites for the league title. The visitors are now 16th place in the Premier League and two points clear of the relegation zone.
Blues too good for the Eagles
Chelsea recorded a 3-1 home win over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge to stay within touching distance of reigning champions City.
Palace started the game in brighter fashion. However, Roy Hodgson side failed to take their chances and Chelsea took the lead on 33 minutes. Pedro found compatriot Alvaro Morata who took the touch before smashing a powerful effort past Wayne Hennessey. Willian then saw a goal disallowed for offside in the closing stages of the first half.
Palace equalised on 53 minutes, as Andros Townsend kept his cool in front of goal after latching on to a superb through-ball from midfielder James McArthur. However, Chelsea were back in front 12 minutes later. Eden Hazard’s free-kick into the area found Morata who scored his sixth goal in his last six outings for the Blues.
The home side sealed the victory with 20 minutes left on the clock. Marcos Alonso played a good diagonal pass to find Pedro who fired past Hennessey in the visitor’s goal. Morata could have scored his hat-trick in stoppage-time, but Hennessey read the Spaniard’s chipped effort to prevent the striker from adding to his brace.
The win moved Chelsea above Liverpool into second place courtesy of a superior goal difference. Palace remain 14th place in the table and just three points clear of the relegation zone.
Can Chelsea pip Manchester City to the Premier League title?
